The temperatures are dropping, and Belgium is taking on its lovely autumn colours. Naturally, that makes me want to get out the French terry, the super-soft sweatshirt fleece and my sweatshirt projects! 😊
You know me: I love comfortable clothes, but I also love the little details that give them character, like a pleated sleeve, a pretty button fastening or panel seams that let you play with colour…
So I wanted to share my favourite sweatshirt patterns with you. I’ve already sewn some for myself, others come out in classes at the studio, and a few are still waiting patiently on my wish list. Well, patiently… some are already printed and waiting for me to bring them to life!
Before we get to the patterns, let’s talk fabric.
My Calao in French terry, with its mood-lifting colours!
French terry or brushed sweatshirt fleece: which fabric should you choose?
For a sweatshirt with a little structure, you’ll generally want to set aside the lightweight cotton jersey used for T-shirts and go for a thicker knit.
But a light sweatshirt for the in-between seasons calls for a different fabric from one you want to snuggle up in in the middle of winter!
Brushed-back sweatshirt fleece, also called jogging fabric, is the one with a wonderfully soft, fluffy reverse. It gives you that lovely feeling of warmth when it’s cold. It comes in different weights, so choose according to your project and what you like to wear. It’s also ideal for making joggers, cosy pyjamas or a knit dress.
French terry, by contrast, has small loops on the reverse and none of that brushed, fluffy finish. I love it for transitional sweatshirts, slightly chilly days and clothes you want to feel comfortable in without getting too warm.
I also like pairing solids with prints. A solid body with printed sleeves, for instance, lets you have fun without committing to an all-over print. Though as you’ll see from my Calao, I’m not afraid of head-to-toe print! 😂
Just choose fabrics with compatible weights and stretch, and check your pattern’s recommendations.
What about finishing? Time for ribbing!
At the cuffs, neckline or hem, ribbing gives your sweatshirt a lovely soft finish with just the right amount of stretch!
It comes in tubes or strips, with lots of options: a matching solid, a contrasting colour, stripes… and even glitter if you’d like a little more sparkle in your life!
It’s a small detail, but it can really change the look of what you’re sewing. Pick up a colour from your print and everything suddenly ties together.
My 14 sweatshirt patterns to discover
1. Calao by Instinct Couture: I fell for those pleated sleeves
I’ll start, of course, with the one I sewed for myself: the Calao sweatshirt by Instinct Couture.
What won me over were its pleated sleeves. I think that detail gives the pattern its character and creates a lovely shape.
For my version, I chose a decidedly psychedelic printed French terry, a hood and matching ribbing.
Calao also offers a hoodless version and different finishes. I’d happily make it again. It’s comfortable, and I still love those sleeves just as much.
It comes in sizes 32 to 52 as a printed or PDF pattern. There’s also a children’s version if you like matching parent-and-child outfits.
My version of Calao and its pleated sleeves.
The hood and back of my Calao.
2. Butterfly by Clématisse Pattern: turn your scraps into a new sweatshirt
The Butterfly sweatshirt by Clématisse Pattern is a pattern I love for experimenting with fabric combinations.
You can sew it in a single solid or use the panel seams for colour blocking by combining several colours, or by mixing solids and prints.
I used scraps from three sweatshirts to sew myself a fourth. That’s a really satisfying make!
The fabric requirements are broken down by section, so you can see what you can use from your stash before buying more.
Butterfly comes in sizes 34 to 48 and is available as a printed or PDF pattern.
My Butterfly, sewn from leftover sweatshirt fabric.
The panel seams continue on the back.
3. Andréa by Atelier Jumadi: lovely combinations and a button placket
Along similar lines, the Andréa sweatshirt by Atelier Jumadi also lets you have fun with contrasts.
I love its relaxed look and the button placket, which adds a more intricate detail. It’s the kind of pattern that gets you thinking about colours and fabrics before you even get the scissors out!
I’d recommend it to sewists who are already at an intermediate level. The seams and button placket give you plenty to learn, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for a very first sweatshirt.
Andréa is unisex, so you can make matching outfits with your other half, too! It comes in sizes 32 to 52 as a printed or PDF pattern.
Andréa: a stand-up collar and a pretty button placket.
4. Amour by Laeti et Léa: ruffles and a dress version
With the Amour jumper by Laeti et Léa, you get a very feminine style with pretty ruffles that give it a romantic feel.
I can picture a navy version with sky-blue ruffles and a touch of the same blue at the cuffs. It would be really lovely!
You can also make it without ruffles if you prefer. And if you love comfortable dresses, there’s a dress version too. You get all the comfort of knit fabric in a slightly dressier outfit.
Amour is graded from size 34 to 50.
Amour as a ruffled jumper.
The Amour dress version.
5. Maya by Clématisse Pattern: sweatshirt comfort, pretty dress styling
The Maya pattern by Clématisse Pattern also comes as a jumper or a dress.
I love the full sleeves, which narrow at the wrists, and the different neckline options. Depending on what you like to wear, you can leave the neck more open or opt for a version with more coverage.
The dress is one of those styles I really like for winter. Add boots and a nice coat and you’re dressed! Whether it’s for the office, an outing or a day that turns into an evening out, it’s worth trying in a lovely solid or printed knit.
Maya comes in sizes 34 to 52 as a PDF or printed pattern.
Maya as a jumper.
Maya also comes as a dress.
6. Rainbow by I AM Patterns: if I could keep only one…
This one’s a real gem!
The Rainbow sweatshirt by I AM Patterns offers 70 versions with pockets, plus the pocketless variations. There’s plenty to keep you busy!
With or without a hood, pullover or zip-up, different pockets, several lengths, ribbing or hems… You can build the sweatshirt you want.
If you’re looking for a pattern you can make many different ways, this is the one I’d recommend. There are Rainbow patterns for men and children too, so the whole family can find something they like.
The printed pattern comes in sizes 36 to 46, and the PDF in sizes 34 to 52.
Rainbow in a short zip-up version.
Another option: the hooded sweatshirt dress.
7. Holocène by Mimoï: the little button details I love
At Mimoï, Isabelle creates patterns with lovely details, and Holocène is a great example.
I especially like the button tabs at the shoulders. They add a chic touch to a piece that’s still comfortable enough for everyday wear.
It’s exactly the kind of detail that makes me want to sew a pattern. You get all the comfort of a sweatshirt with a finish that catches the eye.
For a first sweatshirt, I’d choose something simpler. But if you already have a little experience sewing knits, it’s well worth a look.
Holocène is available as a PDF in sizes 32 to 50.
Holocène and its buttoned shoulder details.
8. Overcome by Mimoï: a charming tie collar
Also from Mimoï, the Overcome jumper appeals to me for its side button placket and tie collar.
That little bow makes it look almost as if there’s a scarf built in. I think it’s very cute, and it feels lovely if you like a little coverage around your neck.
It’s a nice change from a crew-neck sweatshirt while still being easy to wear.
Overcome is available as a PDF in sizes 32 to 50.
Overcome’s tie collar and button fastening.
9. Ellie by Coralie Bijasson: a little nautical flair
The Ellie sweatshirt by Coralie Bijasson is one I’ve sewn with quite a few students in the studio, and it’s always just as popular.
The buttoned shoulder openings call to mind traditional sailor jumpers. It’s a visually simple detail that gives the pattern a lot of character.
Most of all, it’s a chance to get out your pretty buttons! Try jewel buttons, a contrasting colour or something more understated to make the design your own.
Ellie is available as a PDF in sizes S to 3XL.
Ellie and its shoulder buttons.
10. Sweat Sixteen by Sew La Jupe: panel seams that spark ideas
The Sweat Sixteen by Sew La Jupe is another pattern I love for its unusual panel seams.
Eowyn gives us a great excuse to play with colour and use those pieces of knit fabric waiting in our stashes. You know the scraps you keep because they’re too pretty to throw away, but you never quite know what to do with them? Here’s an idea!
Of course, you can also sew it in a single solid and let the lines of the design speak for themselves.
Sixteen is available as a PDF in sizes 32 to 52.
The panel seams of Sweat Sixteen.
Another colour combination for Sixteen.
11. Glencoe by Atelier Svila: wear the crossover in front or at the back
The Glencoe sweatshirt by Atelier Svila is on my wish list.
You can wear the crossover detail in front or at the back. I have to say, I really love the back crossover!
I think it gives a comfortable garment a delicate, modern touch. It’s a lovely option if you want to sew with knit fabric and try a slightly different neckline.
Glencoe is available as a PDF in sizes 34 to 56.
Glencoe with the crossover worn at the front.
You can wear the Glencoe crossover at the back, too.
12. So Classic by Damn Good Caramel: make the most of geometric panels
The So Classic by Damn Good Caramel also lets you have fun with panel seams.
The version with geometric panels is particularly good for combining several fabrics and giving your sweatshirt scraps a new life.
And no one will know that your lovely colour combination came from leftovers from previous makes… unless you feel like telling them!
If you prefer a more understated version, you can also sew it in one solid colour.
So Classic is available as a PDF in sizes 34 to 44.
So Classic and its geometric panels.
13. Madame Yutta by Studio Schnittreif: a zip-neck sweatshirt
With Madame Yutta by Studio Schnittreif, there’s a detail I really like: the stand-up collar with its short zip at the front.
Wear it open or zip it up when it’s cooler. It’s practical and gives the sweatshirt a different look.
I’d recommend it for intermediate sewists, particularly because of the zip insertion. If you’d like to build your skills while making something comfortable, it’s a lovely option.
Madame Yutta is available as a PDF in sizes XS to XXL.
Madame Yutta, the zip-neck sweatshirt.
14. Ébène by Coralie Bijasson: my choice for a first sweatshirt
To finish, I wanted to suggest a pattern for beginners.
Ébène by Coralie Bijasson is a simple sweatshirt with wide batwing sleeves that give it a lovely shape and make it very comfortable.
If you’d like to start sewing knits with a feminine first sweatshirt, this is the one I’d recommend from this selection.
An approachable pattern and a fabric you love, and you’re ready to get started!
Ébène is available as a PDF in sizes S to 3XL.
Ébène’s wide batwing sleeves.
So, which sweatshirt will you sew?
As you can tell, I love sweatshirts with a little detail that makes me want to get behind the sewing machine. Pleats, ruffles, pretty buttons, a crossover neckline… there are so many ways to mix things up!
If you’re a beginner, take a look at Ébène. If your scrap basket is overflowing, Butterfly, Sweat Sixteen or So Classic might give you some ideas. And if you want a pattern you can make again and again, Rainbow is still my favourite.
Tell me in the comments which one you’re most tempted to sew! And if you’d like a selection of sweatshirt patterns for men or children, let me know in the comments 😉
You can find our sewing patterns on the website. And if you’d like a little guidance, our studio classes are a chance to discover how to sew knits and get comfortable using an overlocker.
See you very soon for more sewing projects! Grab your needles!
Eugénie
